County enhancing enforcement to curb dog attacks

ANTELOPE VALLEY – Citing an increase of dog attacks in the Antelope Valley, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich this week announced that the County’s Department of Animal Care and Control has increased sweeps, with multiple-day patrols in Lancaster, Palmdale and unincorporated areas.

The initiative has actually been taking place for quite a while, officials say, but community awareness is now a top priority.

“We really want to get the message out to all of the animal owners,” said Derek Brown, Deputy Director of Shelter Operations for the North County. “Loose dogs can pose a threat to public safety.”

An additional Animal Control Officer will be stationed at the Lancaster shelter starting Jan. 29. This will assist with response times and overall productivity, officials said.

“We have really good officers out here that make a great team,” said Brown. “They work really hard to keep the community safe.”

These three dogs were running loose when they mauled a boy last month. The county is enhancing enforcement in the area to prevent future attacks.

In keeping the community safe, residents must understand the importance of keeping their dogs properly confined, Brown added.

Last month, a 6-year-old boy in Lake Los Angeles was viciously attacked by three big dogs who escaped confinement from a neighboring back yard. (Read more here.)

Dog attacks in the Antelope Valley are a common threat, many residents say.

“I almost witnessed an animal attack late last year,” said Palmdale resident Sarah Q. “I wasn’t sure who to call and was scared out of my mind. So much could happen in such a short time, and people usually panic.”

“I see dogs roaming the desert constantly,” stated Annabel W., of Lancaster. “It breaks my heart because I am worried they’ll either be hit by a car, or they could even attack someone else’s pets.”

“We want the dogs to stay home with their families that love and take care of them,” said Brown. We certainly don’t need more animals in the shelters, but we would rather them be there than on the streets.”